THE party season got well and truly under way last night as stars flocked to Old Billingsgate in the City of London to celebrate the birthday of Express Newspapers owner Richard Desmond.

Celebrity guests including Lord Sugar, Holly Valance and Peter Andre joined Mr Desmond and his fiancee Joy Canfield for a night of champagne and fine dining at the glamorous party venue.

More than 500 friends, family and colleagues attended the glittering 40th Birthday!!!! bash and partied into the evening.

Big Brother star Kerry Katona’s teeth were seen chattering as she braved the December chill to walk the red carpet while her friend Amy Childs turned heads in a fishtail aqua evening gown.

I only get to wear this tie once a year and tonight’s the night

TV favourite Eamonn Holmes

Among the first to get into the party mood was TV favourite Eamonn Holmes.

The Irishman quipped: “I only get to wear this tie once a year and tonight’s the night.”

It was also a special occasion for Natalie Cassidy, who admitted since the birth of her daughter she finds it hard to party. “I don’t get out as much as I used to now that I’m a mum,” the former EastEnder said.

Chantelle Houghton, who attended without fiance Alex Reid, showed off her growing baby in a figure-hugging black mini dress after announcing last month that she is expecting their first child.

Also among the guests were Daily Express favourites Alan Titchmarsh, Vanessa Feltz and Richard Madeley.